Bob Weir, co-founder of rock group the Grateful Dead, dies at age 78

Bob Weir poses at the Grammy awards in Los Angeles, California, on 2 February 2025. Photograph: Daniel Cole/Reuters

Bob Weir, the veteran rock musician who helped guide the legendary band the Grateful Dead through decades of change and success, has died at age 78, according to a statement posted to his verified Instagram account on Friday.

The Instagram statement, posted by his daughter Chloe Weir, said he was surrounded by loved ones when he died. Bob Weir had been diagnosed with cancer in July and “succumbed to underlying lung issues”, the statement said.